Ever wondered what it takes to run a marathon? Eddie Izzard, the iconic comedian and actor, once ran an astounding 90 kilometers in just under 12 hours. Let's dive into the mind of this incredible performer and uncover some fascinating insights from a recent interview.
When questioned about his performance in 'Hamlet', Izzard revealed a surprising sense of comfort with the role. He mentioned feeling at ease, a stark contrast to the expected stage fright. But here's where it gets controversial: he also shared his unique approach to delivering the play's most famous lines, such as 'To be or not to be'. Izzard, drawing from his experience as a street performer, connects with the audience directly, making them an integral part of Hamlet's inner world.
Izzard's pop culture opinions are as unique as his comedy. He believes George Lazenby did a great job as James Bond in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service', a film he loved from childhood. This is a point of contention for many Bond fans.
Speaking of his stand-up routines, Izzard is currently touring with a 'Remix' tour, revisiting some of his most beloved bits. The 'Death Star Canteen' routine, for example, has remained a fan favorite. Izzard's approach involves deliberately making the routine 'go wrong', adding a layer of spontaneity and humor.
Then, there's the 'Evil Giraffe' – a concept that has amused audiences for years. Izzard muses on the idea of an evil giraffe, pondering its potential appearance and behavior.
When it comes to marathons, Izzard has run over 100 of them. He recalls the treadmill marathons as particularly challenging due to the lack of visual stimulation. But the toughest, he says, was in Northern Ireland, where he miscalculated the distance and faced an unexpected six more miles after thinking he'd finished. He also mentioned the double marathon in South Africa, where he ran 27 marathons in 27 days, including a 90km run in just under 12 hours to make up for a missed day.
But what about hidden talents? Izzard is secretly skilled at sword fighting. He's incorporated this skill into his 'Hamlet' performance, showcasing his ability to duel on stage.
Fashion is another realm where Izzard shines. He still has many of his iconic outfits, including a memorable orange coat from 'Definite Article' where he famously sewed a button back on during the show.
Onstage disasters are inevitable, but Izzard has a knack for turning them into comedic gold. From theatre floods to technical malfunctions, he's adept at improvising and keeping the audience entertained.
In the series 'Hannibal', Izzard's character, Abel Gideon, was forced to eat snails that had fed on his body parts. The snails were actually mushroom look-alikes, but the scene was no less intense.
Regarding celebrity encounters, Izzard shared a heartwarming story about Brad Pitt. At the opening of 'Ocean's 13', Pitt, avoiding the red carpet, ended up chatting with Izzard, and even pulled him into a group photo.
And finally, does he have a nemesis? Izzard doesn't, but he did note that his career took off around the time Margaret Thatcher's political career ended.
What are your thoughts on Izzard's insights? Do you agree with his Bond opinion, or do you have a different take? Share your thoughts in the comments below!